ATK Orbus 1A Transition Program Completes Final Qualification Testing

Minneapolis, February 28, 2006 – Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has completed the final phase of qualification testing of the Orbus 1A solid rocket motor used as the second- and third-stage for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Boost Vehicle-Plus (BV+) interceptor on contract to Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LM).

The Orbus 1A motor was successfully test-fired on January 18. Preliminary results indicate that the motor met all pretest performance requirements. The static test was performed at simulated altitude by the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), Tullahoma, TN facility.

The initial qualification testing was completed at ATK’s Elkton, MD facility on September 22, 2005, when the motor was successfully fired for its full duration.

In 2004, Lockheed Martin selected ATK as its supplier for BV+ second- and third-stage solid rocket motors. This successful qualification test clears the way for ATK to commence Orbus 1A production. ATK also produces the GEM-40VN motor as the first stage of the BV+ interceptor, a component of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system for which The Boeing Company is prime contractor. One of two booster systems for the GMD system, BV+ has not been deployed on operational missiles yet.

ATK is a $3.1 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Contact Information

Bryce Hallowell

ATK Corporate Communications

Alliant Techsystems

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